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Whether you’ve just had a new air conditioner installed or your current cooling system is on its last leg, you’ll want to make sure your AC unit keeps your Salisbury, Maryland, home cool for as long as possible. Fortunately, you can take a few easy steps to make sure your cooling system is up and running for longer. From replacing the HVAC filter regularly to investing in a smart thermostat, try these five tips to extend your air conditioner’s lifespan.

Replace the HVAC Filter Regularly

If you can’t remember the last time you changed your HVAC filter, the Griffith Energy Services team recommends replacing it with a fresh one right away. Replacing the HVAC filter every 30 to 90 days is one of the easiest ways to keep your air conditioner running smoothly, as this important device prevents dust, dirt, and debris from entering your cooling system.

When you install a new filter, make sure it’s sized properly for your air conditioner. You’ll also want to choose an HVAC filter with a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) rating between nine and 12. Aiming for this MERV range can boost your air conditioner’s efficiency while removing contaminants from your home’s air supply.

Schedule Routine HVAC Maintenance

In addition to regular filter replacements, our team also recommends scheduling routine maintenance for your HVAC system. We encourage you to call for an annual air conditioner tuneup at the beginning of every cooling season, before you even think about switching your thermostat to cooling mode.

When you schedule routine maintenance at the beginning of the season, you’ll give our HVAC technicians a chance to calibrate your air conditioner, check fluid levels, and inspect electrical connections. We’ll identify and address any essential repairs before the cooling season starts to ensure that your air conditioner runs smoothly all season and beyond.

Clean the Outdoor Unit

To keep your air conditioner running smoothly, don’t forget to tidy the outdoor unit at least once a month. Naturally, if you have trees, shrubs, or other growth in your backyard, leaves, twigs, and other debris can easily accumulate on the unit. Over time, this debris can block airflow and impact your cooling system’s efficiency.

Take a few minutes to brush any debris off the top of the unit, and then trim back any grass or shrubs growing near the system. Always leave at least 2 of 3 feet of clearance around the unit to prevent airflow obstructions.

Keep the Air Flowing

To keep your air conditioner running as long as possible, you’ll want to take steps to keep the air flowing freely inside your home, too. First, check all vents and registers and make sure no furniture, rugs, or other objects are blocking the airflow.

Next, confirm that all vents and registers are open. Closing vents might improve your comfort level temporarily. However, this practice can impact your air conditioner negatively in the long run, as it can force your cooling system to work harder to achieve the thermostat settings. If you find that you’re constantly opening and closing vents to moderate the temperature, consider installing zoning systems in your home for more effective climate control.

Invest in a Smart Thermostat

If your family members constantly disagree on a comfortable indoor temperature, you’re likely to find that their frequent thermostat adjustments could ultimately decrease the lifespan of your air conditioner. To avoid those temperature-related arguments and help your cooling system last longer, our team often recommends investing in a smart thermostat.

These Wi-Fi-enabled devices may be small, but they offer big benefits. They enable you to program your family’s cooling schedule in advance to ensure that your home is always at the right temperature, and you can log in from anywhere to adjust the temperature settings while you’re on the go. Most smart thermostats even enable you to monitor your energy usage and get air filter replacement reminders to help you take even better care of your air conditioner.

Need to schedule a tuneup for your cooling system or want more advice on maximizing the lifespan of your air conditioner? Contact your local cooling experts at Griffith Energy Services at 888-474-3391.

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